| 1891 Port Waikato earthquake | |
| Pushpin Map: | New Zealand |
| Pushpin Relief: | 1 |
| Pre-1900: | yes |
| Local-Date: | 23 June 1891 |
| Magnitude: | [1] |
| Magnitude-A: | [2] |
| Depth: | <30 km |
| Engvar: | en-UK |
| Coordinates: | -37.4°N 174.7°W |
| Countries Affected: | New Zealand |
| Casualties: | None |
| Tsunami: | No |
| Fault: | Waikato Fault[3] |
| Damages: | Minor |
| Affected: | Waikato, Auckland (New Zealand) |
| Type: | Normal |
The 1891 Port Waikato earthquake occurred on 23 June in the Waikato District of New Zealand, with an estimated local magnitude of 5.7–5.9. The maximum Mercalli intensity may have been VII (Very strong), especially around the Waikato River mouth region.[1] [2]
The earthquake's epicenter is suggested to be close to the mouth of the Waikato River, based on local newspaper, lighthouse reports and intensity report. The long and active Taranaki Fault along the Taranaki Basin may have been the cause of the earthquake.[1] [3]
Much of Auckland felt an intensity of VI (Strong). This quake caused considerable excitement among residents of the city and surrounding areas as earthquakes were rare and none were near the strength of the 1891 event. A few chimneys in the Auckland region were damaged; a few toppled over; and some shop display windows and crockery were shattered.[1] [4]